Roof maintenance advice from a Roofer in Hertford

A lot of the roofs in Hertford are very old, this is because there are some properties that date back several hundred years. The age of
some of these roofs just illustrates what a fantastic roofing material ceramic tiles are, but like everything, they will still need some
maintenance from time to time.

T. J. Copping Ltd has many satisfied customers in and around Hertford and we will frequently call on our clients there to conduct a routine
survey of their roof to ensure all is well. This periodic check often saves the home owner a good deal of money in the long run, as we
are able to identify any issues before they can become a major problem.

However, you can make some routine checks as part of a roofing maintenance regime and the best part of this is that you don't even
need to set foot on a ladder. Often a quick look will show you any cracked, slipped or missing tiles or slates. You may even notice if
some flashings are starting to curl up or even if they have become worn or torn.

When performing your routine roofing checks, you may struggle to see certain parts of the roof. A basic pair of binoculars are a good
way of zooming in on the roof and also looking at your roof from a neighbours property can ba a great way of noticing any issues. Once
a problem with the roof is identified, you can call a reputable roofing specialist like us to rectify the problem.

Getting to correct advice from a professional Hertford roofer

T. J. Copping Ltd have been in the roofing trade for many years and pride themselves on offering a quality, professional service at a
reasonable price. We are also happy to offer free advice relating to roofing maintenance or repairs in Hertford. Below are a few tips to help
you make an informed decision should you require a roofer to conduct a repair or maintenance to your roof.

Before you start, please remember to stay safe and not go up a ladder unless you have help or are used to working at height. Be
aware that ladders, attic spaces and roofs present certain hazards if you are in any doubt, please consult a reputable roofer.

You can conduct an inspection through the loft hatch yourself. You may see daylight in the roof void that would suggest missing
roofing felt or damaged roof tiles.

Wet walls or ceilings may indicate that there is a leak in your roof.

Moss and other organic waste can block gutters and retain a lot of moisture. This can damage the roof covering in frosty weather
so removal is important.

Debris on the ground could be from broken slates or tiles and this indicates that there may be a problem.

Inspect your roof twice a year from ground level. You may be able to use a neighbouring property to get a better view of your roofs
condition.

Leaning chimneys or pots may need attention. Also check for any smoke escaping through the brickwork if you have an open fire.

Roofing materials can become detached in windy weather if the pointing is not in a satisfactory condition. Check in your in gutters
on low roofs or on the ground near to the property for signs of mortar droppings.

Remember that a quick bodge up with inferior materials will lead to more expensive repairs down the line. Always consult an experienced
roofer in Hertford if in any doubt. This is particularly important if you have a thatched roof or other specialist roofing material.

Roof maintenance in Hertford

Repairing or replacing your roof can be an expensive project to undertake. This is why just spending a few minutes a couple of
times a year looking closely at your roof can help you to identify any roof maintenance requirements that will help prevent costly
repairs at a later date.

When should you check the roof on your Hertford property?

We strongly suggest that you inspect your roof twice a year, usually in spring and again in the autumn. The autumn check will identify any
problems that should be addressed before the onset of winter and the spring check will highlight any damage that winter has caused, such as
frost or wind damage.

These simple maintenance checks will enable you to notice any obvious problems before they become major headaches! Often we are called
after a home owner has been cleaning their gutters and have noticed a slipped or missing tile. Another time we get a call is following
a particularly bad storm. Storm damage can sometimes cause damage to a sound roof, but it has to be a pretty severe storm for that. A
slipped tile can easily be ripped free of the roof by a relatively mild storm and once one tile is missing, the rest of the roof is at
the mercy of high winds.

This twice yearly check will identify any obvious wear and tear to the roof, or any missing or damaged tiles, slates or other roof coverings.
The old saying of a stitch in time saves nine really does apply to making an early diagnosis of roofing issues. Checks can also identify problems
with flashings on roofs to as these may be noticeably curling up.

A big problem for many is the accumulation of moss or algae on the roof. If your roof is starting to collect moss or algae, we can install
zinc or lead control strips to help keep the problem at bay. Moss can absorb and retain a great deal of moisture and during a freezing period,
you will not want frozen chunks of moss stuck to the roof and the expansion and contraction during the freezing process can easily crack the
roof tiles.

If you see any signs of leaking, such as dark spots on the ceiling, or mould or dampness in your loft area, it would be wise to contact a
professional roofer as soon as possible. Leaks in roofs will only get worse, and it will be better to spend a small amount on roof maintenance
now, rather than a lot on a big repair later on.

A little Hertford history

The first known mention of Hertford was in 673 A.D. the first assembly of a number of the bishops in England was held in Hertford, although
some argue that it was in fact held at Hartford in Cambridgeshire. In 912 AD, Edward the Elder built two fortifications close by the ford over
the River Lea as a defence against Danish incursions. By the time of the Domesday Book, Hertford had two churches, two markets and three mills.

The Normans began work on Hertford Castle. Hertford Castle was built on the site first fortified by Edward the Elder. By the time of the Norman
Invasion in 1066, a motte and bailey were on the site surrounded by a moat. William the Conqueror granted the castle to Peter de Valoignes, the
High Sheriff of Essex and Hertfordshire. King Henry II rebuilt the castle in stone, but in 1216, during the First Barons War, it was captured
after 25 days by Prince Louis of France. The castle was regularly visited by English royalty and in 1358, Queen Isabella, wife of Edward II,
died there. The priory was dissolved in 1536 and demolished and in 1563, the Parliament of England met at the castle because of an outbreak
of plague in London.

So if you live in the Hatfield area and need a roofing specialist, why not contact T. J. Copping Ltd for a free, no obligation quote.